As I watched the CNN documentary series focusing on the feminist movements of the 1970s, I couldn’t help but notice a stark absence of diversity. The dominant narrative was overwhelmingly white, leading me to explore the historical context of feminism further. Women like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan took center stage, but I found myself questioning: What about trailblazers like Angela Davis or Audre Lorde? Why were their voices omitted from this critical dialogue?
As a woman of color, this realization prompted me to scrutinize contemporary feminism. I had always been hesitant to label myself as a feminist, initially believing that it stemmed from societal stigmas surrounding the term. However, I soon recognized that my reluctance was rooted in the fact that mainstream feminism often felt like an exclusive club—one that didn’t welcome women like me. The feminism I encountered was predominantly white, a narrative I couldn’t fully endorse. This disparity became glaringly apparent during the recent election cycle, highlighting the urgent need for intersectionality in our feminist conversations.
Intersectionality, a term popularized by legal scholar Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw in 1989, examines how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, and sexuality—interact with systemic oppression. Since the 2016 election, this concept has gained increasing attention, particularly as marginalized voices began advocating for inclusion in the feminist discourse. The election demonstrated that the definition of feminism must expand to include the varied experiences of all women, especially those who have been historically sidelined.
The hashtag #ImWithHer emerged in support of Hillary Clinton, but many women of color countered this with #GirlIGuessImWithHer. It made me reflect on why we were hesitant to fully embrace the movement. The very figures who were celebrated for their contributions to feminism were often those who had previously neglected to uplift black women and other women of color. Clinton’s comments, such as her claim of carrying hot sauce in her purse, felt more like pandering than genuine solidarity.
On election day, the call for supporters to wear white in honor of suffragettes resonated painfully. The suffragette movement, while foundational to women’s rights, often excluded women of color and reinforced white supremacy. By wearing white, many inadvertently echoed a narrative that prioritized the rights of white women over those of marginalized groups. This prompted me to highlight the problematic aspects of historical feminism, showcasing the racist quotes of early feminists to illustrate how their legacies have been misrepresented.
The post-election landscape revealed a troubling statistic: many white women voted for their interests, just as the suffragettes had done. In stark contrast, a staggering 94% of black women voted for Clinton, demonstrating our commitment to a broader fight for justice that transcended our individual interests.
After the election, I was invited to join a Facebook group called Pantsuit Nation, but upon exploring its content, I found it laden with white savior narratives. These stories often overshadowed the voices of marginalized individuals, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion. When I learned that the Million Women’s March, while well-intentioned, was largely organized by white women, I was reminded of the Million Man March, which sought to uplift black men. Here, the lack of representation was disheartening.
This brings me back to the essence of intersectionality in feminism. A singular perspective cannot encapsulate the diverse experiences of all women. When women of color attempt to share their narratives, they are often dismissed as divisive. Yet, expressing our lived experiences is not an act of division; it’s a plea for recognition. A simple Google search reveals lists of feminists that overwhelmingly feature white women, with only a handful of women of color included—often only those who have achieved mainstream success.
In conversations about feminism, it is imperative for those in positions of privilege to listen. If a friend expresses concerns that challenge your understanding, instead of offering platitudes, acknowledge their feelings and commit to supporting them. True solidarity requires listening and understanding, not sympathy. We are not seeking to replicate the dominant culture; we simply want a seat at the table and the opportunity to claim our rightful space in society.
Intersectionality is essential for a comprehensive understanding of feminism. It’s time we collectively acknowledge that all women deserve to have their voices heard and their struggles recognized.
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In summary, embracing intersectionality within feminism is not just vital—it’s necessary for ensuring that all women, regardless of race or identity, have a voice in shaping the future of the movement.